GTX260 or Raedon 4870 1GB

Peter Tsang · 4 Jan 2009 at 05:43

A silly question really, but I know they are sort of opposite number to each other. So in terms of performance, they might be the same or close to each other. But what about heat dissipation? Which one runs hotter?

Also I read from a few other forums that people are having run time problems, I mean the 4870. Could anybody give me some pointers?

Things change I've changed · 4 Jan 2009 at 07:15

I went for the GTX 260 mainly becuase of it's low power consumption in idle/2D power mode, only 25W I think, as I have my PC on pretty much 24/7 and pay my own electricity bills it was a definite plus for me.

EdGey · 4 Jan 2009 at 08:01

GTX260.

runs much cooler, cant actually hear mine which amazed me and it overclcoks like hell.

best card in a while from nvidia.

mr griffin · 4 Jan 2009 at 13:53

I also would say get a 260 as its cool quiet and everything just works, but to be fare both are decent cards.

elpedro · 4 Jan 2009 at 14:51

+1 for the 260 having owned both (4870 512)

Peter Tsang · 4 Jan 2009 at 14:52

Before I make a decision, I would like to know what is the major difference between a 1GB card and a 512MB card. Does more video RAM mean faster drawing?

Sipha · 4 Jan 2009 at 16:16

Are we talking the 260-216 here, or the 192 ?

Peter Tsang · 4 Jan 2009 at 16:41

No the 4870, sorry I was ambiguous in my previous post.

sunderland · 4 Jan 2009 at 17:28

ive had the 4870 512mb and now have the 260 and like the 260 better,and it clocks really well

TaKeN · 4 Jan 2009 at 17:47

Peter Tsang said:
Before I make a decision, I would like to know what is the major difference between a 1GB card and a 512MB card. Does more video RAM mean faster drawing?

More ram helps A LOT at higher resolutions.

Atleast it did in all the benchmarks\reviews I've seen

titaniumx3 · 4 Jan 2009 at 18:00

Check this review for a good comparision with latest drivers and a fast CPU:

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2008/12/17/xmas-2008-graphics-performance-on-core-i7/1

Shocky-FM · 4 Jan 2009 at 19:46

GTX260

Korduo · 4 Jan 2009 at 20:20

I was in the same boat, but in the end I went and got a GTX260-216.

Overslop · 4 Jan 2009 at 20:52

Out of the two the GTX260-216.

But personally I would stretch to a 4870X2 (cheaper elsewhere) or wait for the GTX295.

Stu · 5 Jan 2009 at 00:22

The 260 is performing generally better than a 4870 using current drivers. Also, it has a lower power draw and is cooler, which is good for the other components in your case. Also, PhysX is looking to be better supported that the ATI equivalent.

If you do opt for the 260, get a newer 55nm model.

EvilOne · 5 Jan 2009 at 01:52

I got 4870 1gb, never had any performance or heat issues with it. With any luck i will be getting a 2nd one for crossfire soon.

Cecco · 5 Jan 2009 at 04:26

I was in the same boat and I opted for the GTX260-216.

I couldn't be happier but I'm sure the 4870 1GB wouldn't disappoint you either.

TaKeN · 5 Jan 2009 at 12:25

What resolution are you using?

EvilOne · 5 Jan 2009 at 12:36

TBH the only diffrence in the 2 cards is the drivers. Currently the nvidia driver runs quicker, but the ATI one ran quicker before that. Its really that close that any new driver can tip the balance and put 1 card into the lead.

By design the ATI cards do run hotter, and work fine running a little hotter so dont worry about that.

Overslop · 5 Jan 2009 at 18:35

Well, the GTX 280 is now the obvious choice as it has crashed in price.